Future of an Ageing Population

The response to an ageing population
A report published in March 2013 asked ‘Is the Government ready for
ageing?’ 231 In seeking to answer the question, it should be understood that no
single department has overall responsibility to address all of the challenges
presented by demographic shift faced by the UK or to capitalise on the
opportunities this presents. Rather, the implications are spread across many
departments, with policies implemented by one often having a direct or
indirect effect on another. The diagram overleaf shows an illustrative snapshot
of some of those complex interrelationships.
These relationships mean that one department’s policies can potentially
achieve others’ objectives. In some cases, the department that implements a
policy will not be the one that benefits most from it, or the benefits will be
shared between many departments. Moreover, some of those benefits may
not materialise for many years. To ensure that these policies are properly
considered, departments need to act co-operatively. More broadly, cooperation
is needed with other sectors. Business and civil society can achieve
things that government itself cannot, for instance developing new technologies
and providing community services.
Advances in medical and social science have extended UK lifespan at a
time when fertility rates have been falling. Much has already been done to
help position the UK to manage the ensuing future challenges of an ageing
population. Now, we have the opportunity to capitalise on this work, and live
happier, healthier and more prosperous longer lives.
P101